description Description

In Arco da Calheta, above the rocks looking out to the sea of Calheta, 30 km from the city of Funchal, is Calhau Grande, an ideal location for those who appreciate the calmness, the agricultural surroundings and nature. Its name originates from the great rocks of basaltic origin, calhaus, which you find there, some 5 meters high. Here you will find a group of rural self catering cottages, acquired by the current proprietor, in 1995 and reconstructed in 1997 and 2004. The construction was renewed in accordance with the models of the region, with local rock, carefully constructed, in order to protect the surrounding ecology, tracing its original, the harmony and the integration in the landscape. With a panoramic view of 180º on the Atlantic, the property fits in the natural, country environment, in perfect harmony with the typical rustic look of the region, and provides a calm, healthy stay of great pleasure. The property consists of independent houses, with privacy, in a rustic and comfortable environment, framed for the spectacular beauty that the sea view and the energy of the rocks provide to them. Each one of the houses is the ideal place for a family to escape to for a while, to live with tranquillity and to get a taste of the proximity with nature. All of this with private parking, a good choice of gardens, pool, agricultural land with fruit trees, vegetable gardens and aromatic herbs that are of high biological quality. Property is accessed through electronic security gates (although security is not an issue!) and there is a parking space for each holiday home. The Gouveia family has their own cottage on site and so their daughter Sofia is always available for advice or help. We would advise that this is not an ideal place for someone who has difficulty in negotiating steps or who has problems with heights. It is as well recommended that children, between two and eight years old, must be always controlled by their parents, because this place has stairs, swimming pool and some balconies in X! But it is exactly the height of this little complex that makes it so spectacular. This property has an excellent strategic position to discover Madeira - so close to the mountain and still near to the sea. 100 meters from the cottages, there is a café / mini-market with fruit and vegetables produced by local people. The beach of Calheta is only 7 minutes drive, same as restaurants, supermarket and ATM. Several paths for levada walking start nearby.

Accessed over its own little wooden bridge, Tenda is a one-room apartment which has its own kitchenette, a living area with a double bed (1,50x1.95m), a brand-new and tastefully furnished bathroom and a large balcony. Outside, there is a private garden and barbecue and the access to the swimming pool. Its crowning glory, however, is its floor-to-ceiling opening glass wall at the front which gives unbelievable views to the sea - even while lying in bed! To sit on Tenda's balcony enjoying a meal with a glass of Madeiran wine is an experience to be savoured. Sleeps 2 adults + 1 child, self catering.

rowing Sports and outdoor

streetview Sights and attractions

Museum Sight seeing

edit_location Location - Area

One of the first colonised areas

The configuration of the hills in a semi-circle, reminding of an arch, ended up by motivating the first settlers to call Arco da Calheta (Calheta arch) to this civil parish in the Calheta municipality. Arco da Calheta civil parish was one of the first places in Madeira Island being colonised and having the first farms established after the island was discovered.

The settlement, manly from Portuguese, took place between 1425 and 1461. Located by the sea, between Ledo and Luairão streams, Arco da Calheta is circumscribed between the civil parishes of Madalena do Mar, Canhas and Calheta.

Arco da Calheta, separated from Calheta in 1472, established its headquarters at the chapel of S. Brás. The mother church was rebuilt in 1744.

In terms of climate, the summer is very hot, but the winter is somewhat harsher.

How to Get There To get to Arco da Calheta from Funchal you need to take the freeway towards Ribeira Brava (Funchal-Ribeira Brava). Then take the Estrada Regional 101 (regional road) in the direction of Calheta. After that, just follow the signposts.